Trolley crossing and switch device



A ril' 13, 1943'.

w. J. LEWIS 2,316,441

TROLLEY CROSSING AND SWITCH DEVICE Filed Sept. 22, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 .War/e/z J 61513 April 13, 1943.

W. J; LEWIS TROLLEY CROSSING AND SWITCH DEVICE Filed Sept. 22, 1941- 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 yairezz cf legals" W. J. LEWIS Fild Se April 13, 1943.

W. J. LEWIS TROLLEY CROSSING AND SWITCH DEVICE Filed Sept. 22, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Apr. 13, 1943 TROLLEY CROSSING AND SWITCH DEVICE Warren J. Lewis, Chicago, 111,, assignor to The Ohio Brass Company, Mansfield, flhio, a corporation of New Jersey Application September 22, 1941, Serial No. 411,794

15 Claims.

The invention pertains to crossings, switches and related devices for overhead trolley constructions, and more particularly, to devices for insuring that a current collector, whether .of the wheel or shoe type, will follow .a selected or predetermined path in approaching, crossing and leaving an intersection of trolley paths. The invention is useful for both trackless and trackguided vehicles, and is especially desirable in but not limited to those cases where the angle between the trolley lines or paths at an intersection, such as a crossing, a branch ,or the like, isin the neighborhood of 17 degrees ,or less, experience having taught that within such angular range some means of insuring that the collector follows a particular path is almost indispensable. The invention is also of especial use in two wire systems where two trolleys are used, and certain features are of particular value where the current collectors are of the swiveled type.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a switching device whereby a collector wheel or a swiveled shoe will be forced to take a predetermined path in crossing an intersection, whether that intersection is a crossing as such or a switch (commonly referred to as a frog), providing optional trolley routes.

Another important object is to provide a device which will reduce the wear and tear to which the current collectors are subject in traversing the ordinary crossings, switches, etc., and one especially which will eliminate the wear of and injury to the carbon inserts of collectors using that contact medium.

Another important object is to provide a device which will readily lend itself to application to a Wide variety of installations in a simple and economical manner, a feature of the preferred formof the invention being readily applicable to existing installations (crossings, switches, etc.) of present designs, as well as to new constructions, without material alteration. In this connection, it may be mentioned that the preferred form of switch element or a pair of elements for a switch unit may be constructed from suitable stock material, such as steel bars, with a minimum of labor and a minimum of special parts.

Another important object is to provide a switching system employing guards movable from one switching position to another through the engagement therewith of a passing current collector, the construction and arrangement being such that the collector makes wedging engagement with a guard or a resetting lever and effects movement of the switch with the exertion of a relatively small force to effect positioning of the guards in registration or indexed relation with the proper or desired path of transit for the collector, the construction and arrangement also being such that a very substantial force would be required from the passing collector to move the guards out of the desired path once the .collector has entered on its passage between or past the guards.

Still another object is to provide a switch comprising a system of movable guards so constructed and arranged as to be operated either through wedging engagement therewith by a current collector approaching an intersection, or to be op erated by electrical means such as a solenoid coil energized by a shunt circuit either optionally or otherwise closed by a vehicle positionor movement, or to be operated by other mechanical or electrical means either in one direction or in a plurality of directions, or to be operated by a combination of meansor mechanisms, mechanical, electrical, or otherwise, all as circumstances and conditions may dictate.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch reset mechanism operative to return the switch to an alternate collector guiding position after passage of a current collector inte th se ected or predetermined route ,or path which it is to follow, the reset mechanism chosen for illustration of this object being of a mechanical nature and being operated mechanically by passage of the current collector as it departs from the switch and intersection over a predetermined route path.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a trolley pan or intersection body member of such construction and arrangement that a current collector, whether wheel or shoe, and the trolley pole or collector carrier will .be subjected to a minimum displacement (upward and down ward movements) in a vertical plane in efiecting the negotiation of an intersection, whether the intersection be a switch or crossing.

Many other objects as well as advantages and uses of the invention will become apparent as the description and claims are read, and upon examination of the accompanying drawings, in

which:

Fig. 1 is a diagram representing .a two-wire (positive and negative) system of overhead trolley lines or wires, the illustration showing the use of the invention in connection with an acute angle crossing and also in connection with acute angle switches and an electrical control for optional route selection, a switch resetting device being employed in connection with each of the acute angle switches;

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation, with some parts in section, of a switch and reset mechanism in accordance with the invention and which may be used at the optional route wire junctions shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the switch and the mechanical reset mechanism shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the switch and reset mechanism of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a detail view, in section, of the switch and guard assembly taken along the section line V-V of Fig. 4, or it may be considered to be a section on line V-V of Fig. 9, so far as the switch mechanism is concerned;

Fig. 6 is a view of a section taken along the line VIVI of Fig. 3, with the solenoid coil, the switch and the reset mechanism omitted;

Figs. 7, 8 and 9, respectively, are bottom plan, side elevation, and top plan views of another form or modification of the invention as applied to an acute angle crossing intersection, the switching guards being shown as mechanically operable, although electric or other operating mechanisms may be substituted.

Fig. 10 is a section taken along the line X--X of Fig. '7; and

Figs. 11, 12 and 13, respectively, are sections taken along lines XI-Xf, XIIXII and XIII- XIII of Fig. '7, looking in the directions of the arrows applied to the section lines, the switch mechanism being omitted.

Unless the context herein or the prior art otherwise definitely prescribes or requires a limited or technical interpretation, certain of the terms and expressions herein used are defined and to be understood to have the following meanings:

The terms crossing, switch and frog are to be understood as used interchangeably and in the broad sense of an intersection where one trolley wire or line crosses, departs from or merges with another, or a plurality of others, and in this sense the expression X and Y types of intersection is intended to be of generic significance. An X type of crossing or intersection may be defined as including but not limited to intersections of, say, two or more collector route paths which cross one another and one of which may be more or less independent of another or every other route path, whether the route paths are one way or two-way paths, or a combination thereof, whereas a Y type intersection may be defined as including but not limited to three or more intersecting trolley paths wherein at least one of adjacent paths leads into or out from a third path disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees to either of the adjacent paths. Furthermore, either an X or a Y type of intersection may include the other, and it is considered relatively immaterial whether the X type is a true X or becomes a K, and whether the Y has arms making equal angles with the stem thereof or one arm and the stem form a straight line or otherwise, for, as will hereinafter become apparent, the invention and its several features may be widely applied with or without modifications. The words runner and runners are used in both the technical sense of a collector guiding or leading rib projecting below the bottom surface of a pan or body member and on which the collector runs with the rib in the collector groove, and also in the broad sense of a guiding means an optional route A--C, along which current col- 'lectors of track or trackless trolley vehicles may travel in either direction, may employ one or two switch mechanisms D of the type illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 6, and may also employ one crossing E, which may be of the character of that shown in Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. It is not,

,of course, necessary that the switch and crossing mechanisms of Fig. 1 be both of the character of those disclosed herein, but, for the purpose of simplicity of illustration and description, both may be presumed to be constructed in accordance with the invention.

Insulators F in the negative or positive wire,

as the case'may be, are disposed on each side of the crossing E to prevent short circuiting between positive and negative wires. As previously indicated, the system is adapted for use not only by two collector track or trackless trolley vehicles, but also by single collector track vehicles where the vehicle track provides the ground or negative side of the circuit. The current collectors utilized by the vehicles in contacting the trolley wires may be of the rigid harp and grooved wheel type, or they may be fixed or swiveled shoes, with or without carbon contact inserts. Further reference to the diagram of Fig. 1 will be made hereinafter in relating the operation of the switch devices.

In the interest of simplicity of description and easy understanding, the crossing switch of Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, ll, 12 and 13 will be described first, it being borne in mind that both switches (crossing and frog) have similar features, as will be pointed out more particularly hereinafter. The crossing pan or elongated body member II), which may be cast or otherwise formed, may have lugs II and eyes l2 for supporting connection with the usual stays, cables and span wires, and on its under side may have integral or otherwise attached current collector ribs or runners l3, l3 and M, I4, each of which extends from an end of the body member toward and terminates at a place adjacent to a more or less central area of the body member at which the collector route paths cross or intersect, and within which area and substantially in the center thereof (in this form of the invention) a switching mechanism or unit is pivotally mounted on a pivot l5, which may take the form of a stud secured to the pan or body member I0 at the top or upper side thereof.

The crossing is designed for the transit of current collectors travelling from runner I 4 to runner M, or vice versa, and collectors travelling from rib l3 to rib I 3, or vice versa; and if the angle between the runners l3 and I4 01' the angle between the runners l3 and I4 is, say, 17 degrees or less, and the crossing were of the ordinary type. the chances would be favorable for the current collector to jump or swing from the route path it should follow and adopt the wrong path in leaving the intersection. To prevent such occurrences, resort has heretofore been had to various -.expedients, including swinging or pivoted runners .or tongues disposed in the intersection .area, whereby to .insure the passage of the coloften complicated or expensive, or both, or they are not wholly efiective.

However, with this invention, the current collector is not only guided in its approach to and departure from the intersection by the runners l3, l3, l4, l4 and by lateral flanges l6 and H spaced appropriately from and extending for substantial distances along and parallel to each of the runners l3, l5, vl3, M, and by auxiliary ribs l8, but at the critical points, including the intersection area, are switch elements or guards l9 forming a channel or slot therebetween, which form part of the switching unit, which positively prevent collectors from jumping or taking the wrong track. The switching unit, in this instance, is adapted to be swung from a position forming a collector route path between the runners l4 and I4 and a position forming a route path between the runners i3 and I3. Each of the auxiliary ribs -l8 terminates within the intersection area in an edge or shoulder 2i aligned with a corresponding inside face or surface of a flange ll, the flanges l1 and it and the auxiliary ribs I3 preferably being integral with the body member as are the runners l3, i4, i3 and Id. The flanges i6 may'continue practically from one end of the body member to the other, as shown, or they may be interrupted through part or all of the area of an intersection as may be preferred, while the flanges ll, of course, merge with one another at the point of intersection of the collector paths.

Each of the switch elements or guards l9 may be formed from flat bar stock of either metal or other material, and, as each is similar in all respects to the other, except with respect to its position relative to the other, a description of the physical characteristics of one should be sufficient for all. Being constructed from flat bar stock, the element has parallel longitudinal edges 22, 23 of which only the edge 22 and its conformation is of particular importance in the present embodiment. The edge 22, which is to engage and guide the outside surface of the flange of a current collector, terminates at each end at and merges with a straight edge portion 24, which makes an angle greater than a right angle and less than a straight angle with the edge 22, the

angle being measured on the body side of the element. The angular relation of the edge 25 to the edge 22 may vary over a fairly wide range to accomplish the purposes for which the edge 2t is intended, but for optimum conditions of operation should bear a fairly definite relationship to the angle between a pair of runners next adjacent to. it or to the collector path into which it may project, as will be apparent as this description proceeds. It is relatively immaterial here in what manner or at what angle the edges 24 merge with the edge 23, although it may be desirable or preferable to round the corners at the juncture of such edges. 7

The edge 22 of one element I9 is designed to be aligned with and, in effect, to form a continuation of the inside face or surface of a flange E6 adjacent to one runner, say, runner I l, and the inside face or surface of a flange ll adjacent to the opposite runner, in this instance, runner i l, in which position the edge 22 will also be in alignment with the edge 2il of that auxiliary Jrib l8 which extends along and into the intersection area from runner 13'. The arrangement is such that when the one element it occupies the position just described, theother element 1'9 of the switch is occupying a postiion where its inner longitudinal edge 22 is parallel .to .the edge 22 of the opposite element,,and;is aligned with .and,

in effect, forms a continuation of that .inner face or surface of a flange I! .adjacentto runner Hi and the inner face or surfaceof that flange it which is adjacent to runner Mfland in such position this edge 22 is also aligned with the edge 2! of that auxiliary rib I8 which extends along and from runner it. When the switch mechanism is swung about its pivot to form a collector guideway or path between runners i3 and E3, the element edges 22 are aligned with the other set of flange faces and auxiliary rib and edges, as will be apparent.

The perpendicular distance between the inside face of any flange i6 and the inside Iaceof an opposite flange ll' along any of the runners is equal to the over all transverse width of a collector (wheel or shoe) adapted to take the crossing, plus a suitable clearance, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The flanges of the collector wheels or shoes, of course, will ride in channels 25 formed between the flanges l6 and [1 and auxiliary ribs Hi, the ribs !-3 gradually widening, i. e., spreading, transversely of the collector path toward the flanges i6 and I! to a maximum width at or adjacent to the edge of the intersection area, as will be apparent from an inspection of Fig. 7, but at their widest point are less, by the amount of a small clearance, than the perpendicular distance between the inside faces of the flanges of a wheel or shoe. This arrangement is designed to steady the wheel or shoe as it approache and enters the area of intersection, and to force one or the other of the Wheel or shoe flanges irresistibly to engage one or another of the switching element end edges 24 for the purpose of shifting the switch under certain circumstances, as will be described hereinafter. Each of the ribs l8 may be cored out to lighten the structure, as will be understood.

The switch elements I9 are supported by stud bolts 21 which pass through transversely extending slots 28 formed in each element, through hollow spacer sleeves 29 and into a swivel block 3|, which is pivotally mounted upon pivot stud It, with suitable washers 32 providing thrust bearing supports. A jumper cable 33 makes electrical connection between the swivel block 3! and a rib 34 integral with or otherwise mechanically and electrically connected with the body member ill. Also suitably secured to the swivel block 3| for movement therewith and extending parallel to and substantially medially between the switch elements 19 is a toggle bar or lever 35, each end of which is pivotally connected with a toggle pin 35 slidably and rockably mounted through an aperture in a bracket 31 suitably secured to the rib 34, and surrounding each toggle pin and held under compression between the clevis head '38 of that pin and the adjacent face of the bracket 31, is a coil spring 39. This toggle arrangement, the'brackets of which may be adjustable toward and from the pivot 15 in order to vary the tension on the spring, is designed to hold the switch, including the elements I9, at either of its limits of movement about the pivot l5, the limits of movement being determined by the engagement of one or another of the sleeves 29-with the outside faces of the flanges [6 of the body member Ill.

It will now be apparent that the switch mechanism may be shifted from a position where the edge surfaces of the guards or guiding elements I 9 will define a path or channel between them for directing a collector from one runner or guideway directly across the intersection to a diametrically opposite runner or guideway. Transversely elongated slots 28 in the elements I9 permit these elements to be adjusted, when the switch is in its extreme positions, to bring the guiding edges 22 into proper alignment with the inside faces of the flanges I 6 and I! and the edges 21, although in this connection it should be mentioned that while it is important that the edges 22 align with the inside faces of the edges 2| of the guideway along which a collector is passing, it is not absolutely requisite that the other ends of such edges 22 align with the corresponding fiange [6 along that collector path, provided the edge 22 does not project inwardly of the intersection beyond the flange l6 forming part of the particular guideway. In other words, the edges 22 may project inwardly of the intersection short of alignment with the flanges [6 of the particular collector guideway or path if the other ends of such edges register properly with the edges 2| of that guideway.

The sections shown in Figs. 6 and 10 to 13, inelusive, reveal another important feature of the invention. Referring particularly to Fig. 10, a dash-dot line 4| may be considered to represent the edge of a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the face of the drawings, and passing substantially midway or in a mean position between the main upper surface of the pan or body member l0 and the lowermost projection of the ribs or runners l3, l3, I4, 14. With respect to this plane 4|, it will be noted that the bottom (contact) surface of each channel extends in a substantially straight line converging downwardly toward the plane 4| from the outer end portions of the channel toward the intersection area and at the intersection area merges with the other channel (contact) surfaces. Similarly, it will be observed that the contact surface of each rib runner l3, l3, l4 and [4 extends in a relatively straight line converging upwardly toward the plane 4| from its extreme outer end portion to its inner end adjacent to the intersection area. There is a gradual decrease in the perpendicular distance, measured toward and from the earth, between a line in and extending longitudinally f either of channel surfaces 25 and a line extend- 1 ing along the rib or runner collector contact surface or edge, as the distance from an outer end to the intersection area decreases.

The decrease in the distance between a runner contact surface and the bottom surfaces of the adjacent channels 25 preferably is such that even with a considerable amount of wearing down of the flanges or other contact portions of either a wheel or shoe collector, the upward pressure or load imposed by the collector on a rib runner is gradually relieved and transferred to the contact surfaces of the channels 25 by gradual engagement of the collector flange with such surfaces prior to the time the collector reaches the inner end of the runner in proceeding toward the intersection area, reverse contact engagement taking place as the collector leaves the intersection over its prescribed path of travel. This arrangement and relationship between the runner contact surfaces and the correspondingly adjacent bottom surfaces of the channels 25 reduces to a minimum the vertical displacement, in upward and downward directions, of a current collector passing through or over the crossing or other intersection device, and thereby avoids much wear and tear both on the intersection device, the collector shoe or wheel, and mechanisms associated therewith, and, also, reduces the possibilities of derailment of a collector, particularly at high speeds. This arrangement is of especial value where carbon contact inserts are used in collector shoes which engage with and disengage from the rib runners on a gradual slope and do not chip or wear as they would in meeting the abrupt ends of fixed and pivoted runners, as heretofore has been the case.

The switch or intersection mechanism illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, in particular, has many constructional and other features in common with the intersection or crossing switch member above described, but differs therefrom in certain other particulars. In these views, one type of Y intersection is illustrated, the arrangement being such that a collector wheel or shoe may enter the intersection from either of three directions, and if entering from one particula direction may depart in either of two optional directions, entry of the intersection from either of said optional directions of departure requiring departure in but one direction. The pan or body member generally designated 40 is provided with lugs 42 and eyes 43 for supporting engagement by the usual cables or stays, and, like the pan I0, is provided with external flanges l6, rib runners 44, and 46, and auxiliary ribs l8 corresponding or similar to the auxiliary ribs I8. At the outside edge of each flange l6, where such flanges extend along the arms of the Y, is one of a pair of integral lugs 44 and 44, which are drilled as shown at 45 for the reception of pivot studs about which an S-shaped reset lever may swing.

With the exception of special features which will be mentioned hereinafter, the switch elements l9 and their mounting are similar to, in fact relatively identical with, the elements l9 and their mounting including the toggle mechanism designed to hold the switch at either of its extreme limits until it is positively moved from such limit to the point where the toggle mechanism affects its movement and throws it to and holds it at the other limit. The pivot l5 preferably has its axis disposed at or adjacent to the inner terminus of the rib runner 44 and along a bisector of the angle between the rib runners 45, 46. The elements H) are constructed after the manner of the elements l9, except that neither is double-ended, that is. each has only one wedging edge 24' corresponding to the wedging edges 24, and, while the inwardly facing guide edges 22 are straight and parallel to one another from their junctures with the edges 24 for a substantial distance therefrom, they diverge or taper outwardly from one another, as indicated at 41, toward the square cut ends of the elements. If, for instance, the switch is to be set to guide a collector passing into the intersection area on runner 44 and out on runner 45, that element l9, which is on the inside of the turn (shown in contact with the reset lever 56 in Fig. 3), will be adjusted so that its tapered inner edge 41, or the rounded juncture thereof with the relatively square end of its element, will lie tangent to or in line with the inner surface of flange l6 adjacent to runner 44, so

that the collector may be guided into'the intersection andtthe path or channel provided between the parallel guiding edgesZZ' without obstruction, the edge 22 of the same element being adjusted to register or align with the inside surface of flange l6 whereit extendsalong the runner t5. While it is relatively immaterial for the purpose of guiding a collector along the path just mentioned, what the position of the tapered edge 41 of the opposite element IS'may be, it is desirable that the edge 22 of such' opposite element does not fall' outwardly of the intersection if. not in absolute registration or alignment with the beveled edge 21'' of the runner 45. In a similar manner, the switch elements, when the switch is shifted to its: other extreme position; will. provide a straight and uninterrupted path for a collector between the runners 4'4 and 56, the elements l9 beingadjusted as may be necessary to insure this result.

The switch swivel block isv electrically connected with thep'an by a jumper 3-3 and carries a toggle arm 35 but isconnect'ed with only one toggle, which; being similar. to the toggles previously described, need not be particularly described here. The switch=mechanism in this-form of the invention is designed to be operated in one direction byelectrical. means comprising a solenoid coil 48' mounted on a suitable carrier block fiil'ad'justably supported on the top of the pan or body member #0 and having a fixed core or pole 51 adapted to. attract an armature 52 mounted for swinging movement on a pivot 53 when the coil is energized; The armature-52 is preferably made adjustable with: respect to the core or pole of the solenoid coil for adjustment of the air gap, and at its upper end is connected with a pull rod 55", which at its other. end is secured on apivot 55 (Fig. 4) to the swivel block 3! ofthe-switch unit at such distance and in such position from the center of the pivoting ofthe switch unit as: to permit the switch unit to be swung from one extreme position to the other when the co'il:is energized; Preferably the pivot 55' is located in the same relative position on one side of theswitch pivot as is'the connection 55 ofthe jumper33' to .the switch block on theother side of the switch pivot, so that therod 54 and the jumper connection to' the switchblock may be interchanged with one another. If, for any; reason it should be desired to have'the switchrncved by electric means-from one extreme limit to the other in the opposite sense tothe arrangement shown in- Figs. 2, 3

and 4-. then the reset lever 56 will be pivoted on thelug- 4 1 instead of on the lug- M If it should be desired; the armature 52' could be polarizedso as to effect a pushing rather than. a pulling on the rod 54- uponenergization of the coil to effect movement ofthe switch from one extremepositionito the other.

In longitudinal and. transverse sections, the body. member. including flanges, channel surfaces andr-ibs, of the Y switch or intersection deviceis quitesimilar. tothe X switchor crossing previously described, as-will be apparent from the showing of. Fig. 6-. Each of runners Q5, 45 and ifi decreases in height or distance from the bott'omof' the channels 25' from the'outer end portions of the runners toward the area of intersection and toward a' plane M, located as was plane M, the channel bottom surfaces also tapering toward said-plane from the outer ends-oi the pan towardthe intersection area. Lhe purpose of such construction has already been stated. A

cover or housing 51' may be employed to protect the switch operating mechanism from the weather, dirt, etc., and may be held in place by any suitable devices such as the well known automobile hoodlatches 58.

Each of the two intersection switching or guide devices is designed for operation by a collector wheel or shoe under certain circumstances, in order to provide a guide for such collector into and across the area of intersection and to and into the proper or predetermined" route path of departure, or to provide a proper or predetermined route path for another collector subsequently negotiating the intersection, while the mechanism of Figs. 2-, 3 and 4 includes an electric switch operating device to permit the switch to be thrown in one (either) direction under the control of the operator as by turning a trackless trolley vehicle to right or left or proceeding straight ahead, or otherwise, and. also includes a switch reset device which maybe'operated loy'a passing collector to move the switch to an alternate or optional route position.

The operation of the switching mechanism of the X type intersection (represented by E in Fig. 1) isrelatively simple. With the switch set in the position illustrated in Fig. '7, a collector travelling toward the intersection area along either runner M: or M has a clear path to the other and opposite runner. However, if a' collector approaches the intersection on either runner I3 or it when the switch is in the described position with end edge 24 of one of the elements l9 interposed in its path, engagement of the flange of the collector wheel. or shoe with such edge, the collector being held against swerving from-the channels 25 by the runner and the auxiliary rib- I8, efiects' a wedging action against the end of element 19' and thereby exerts a considerable'moment of force on the engaged end of element [9 which, because of the long leverage between such place of engagement andits pivot, is moved out of the path'of the collector and in so moving causes the toggle mech anism to pass through its center and to snap the switch to a position forming a collector path between the pair of' opposite runners defining the path for'passage of the moving collector.

The toggle springs are put under such tension, and'the other parts of the switch are so proportioned and arranged that anylateral pressure apt to be exerted by a passing current collector against a guiding edge 22 is insufi'icient to move the switch from its set position since the effective lever length of an element H from any point of contact of a collector along edge 22 (point of application of force) to the center of pivotal movement of the element (pivot I5) is less than that which would be required for the maximum amount of force exertable (by a passing collector) in a direction tending to effect movement of the switch from its set position. Thus a passing current collector within the intersecting area cannot accidentally displace the switch from a set position, and yet the switch may easily be moved to registration with the path of the incoming collector merely by interengagement of the collector and the wedging edge 24 of an element I9 when such edge is obstructing the collector path.

If the elements l9 of a switch unit are properly constructed and adjusted, the toggle mechanism will position them so that their collector guiding edges 22 will align with those flanges It and I! and edges-2| of the auxiliary ribs which define the sides of the path along which the collector is to travel. Adjustments of the elements 19 to eifect their proper alignment are made, of course, when the switch is in its extreme positions determined by abutment of one or another of the spacers 29 with the exterior sides of the pan flanges l6. It is apparent, therefore, that a collector approaching the intersection along any of the paths of approach will either have a clear and sure path across the intersection or it will operate the switch to eifect such path. Danger of the collector jumping or switching to the wrong path is practically eliminated.

While the Y type of switch mechanism of Figs.

2, 3 and 4 may be utilized in various other systems and arrangements and may be operated by other methods, the system of Fig. 1 provides a good example. Since Fig. 1 represents a twowire system, it is preferable to utilize two Y switches of the character described, although one might be sufficient under some circumstances. Where two switches are used, the coils 48 may be connected in series as shown or in parallel, provided there is simultaneous or substantially simultaneous operation and the switches are arranged to move in the same direction. The coil circuit is adapted to be energized from the trolley circuit by engagement of the current collectors with contacts 59, 6! as the collectors pass along. If the major portion of vehicular trafiic is running along the straight path A to B or vice versa and relatively little traflic is to follow curving route A-C, the coil circuit contacts 59, 6| are so disposed that that contact which is at the outside of the curve, in this case contact 59, is

closer to the intersection than the other contact 6|, and in such relation with respect to the line of centers of the twin current collectors of a vehicle that when the vehicle is proceeding on the path A-B, only one of the contacts 59 and SI is closed at one time so that the circuit is not energized, the relationship also being such that as the vehicle is steered into the turn to follow path A-C, the twin collectors will be so swung as to engage both contacts simultaneously and energize the circuit. The contact 59 may be moved to position 59, shown in dotted lines in Fig. l, where it is opposite to the contact 6|, and the switch operation changed to the opposite of that above described, if it be preferred to have the major traffic follow route A-C and itinerant or occasional traific follow route A-B.

The electric operation of the Y switch is only in one direction in the embodiment shown, but

could be arranged to operate the switch in both directions, if desire-d, by utilizing another coil and additional contacts or otherwise. However. where one of the branching routes such as A-C may be infrequently used relative to the other route, it may be preferable to employ a single coil to throw the switch to open the infrequently used route path when necessary for a vehicle to pass therealong, and to have the switch reset to the main route by mechanical means, as by the resetting lever device 56 above mentioned. When the switch is thrown to the position shown in Fig. 3 by operation of the coil and. associated mechanism, the element 19' at the inside of the curve engages the adjacent end of the S-shaped lever 56 and swings the lever (clockwise, viewing Fig. 3) about its pivot to move its other end into the path of the collector travelling toward it and over the path for which the switch has been set by the coil, cooperative abutments or stops (not shown) on the lever and pan being arranged to iii) stop the lever in the position illustrated. After the collector passes the switch and enters path A-C, and starts to traverse the runner 45, the adjacent one of its flanges engages an edge 62 of lever 56, and, as such edge extends at an acute angle to the path of travel of the collector flange, the flange engages the edge with a wedging force which causes the lever to swing about its pivot (counterclockwise, viewing Fig. 3), thereby causing the end of the lever which is engaged with the element I9 to force the switch to swing about its pivot to open the main route path from A to B and to close the route path A-C behind the collector. If, perchance, the switch is in the position illustrated in Fig. 3 and th collector is proceeding from B to A, an engagement of a collector flange with the wedging surface 24' of an element l9 will force the switch to swing to open position, permitting the collector to pass along. Again, if a collector is passing from C to A and the switch is in the position illustrated in Fig. 3, the collector will first engage an edge 63 of the lever 56, the edge 63 being disposed at an acute angle to the path of travel of a collector, and will cause the lever to throw the switch out of position, but as soon as the collector passes the lever 56 it will engage the inclined edge 24' of the element I 9 projecting into the path and thereby will force the switch about its pivot to a position giving a clear path to the intersection area for the collector.

Various other modifications, adaptations andarrangements will no doubt occur to those skilled in the art, and for that reason it is desired that the invention be considered as limited only by the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A trolley device for guiding a grooved current collector along a predetermined path comprising, a body member having a plurality of angularly disposed runners at the ends thereof forming part of a plurality of paths across the device, said runners terminating short of one another and arranged to guide a current collector by its groove, 2, fixed side guard extending along each side of each runner over at least a part of the length of the latter and in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto, a pair of movable guard members having collector guiding edges disposed in spaced and substantially parallel opposed relation to one another and forming a channel to receive and guide a current collector by its outer side faces as it moves between the spaced ends of the pairs of oppositely disposed runners, means pivotally mounting said movable guards and the said channel for swinging movements between a position wherein the channel forms a collector guiding path aligned between a pair of said oppositely disposed runners and a position forming a collector guiding path aligned with another pair of said oppositely disposed runners, and means carried by one of said guard members for wedging engagement by the exterior side of a collector for eifecting swinging movement of the guard members and channel from one of said positions to the other.

2. A trolley device for guiding a current collector along a predetermined path comprising, a body member having a plurality of angularly disposed runners at the ends thereof forming part of a plurality of paths, said runners extending toward and from a collector path crossing area of said body and terminating short of one another at said area, a fixed side guard extending along each side of each runner over at garden least:- a part ofv the; length of the" latter and. in. spaced; substantially parallel. relation. thereto, a pair of movable guard members having: collector guiding edges disposed in fixedspa'ced and substantially parallel opposed relation: to one another and forming. a receiving. and guiding channel the edges. of which engage the outer side faces of a currenticollectorto guide the same be tween the spaced ends. of thepairs of oppositelydisposed runners, rn'eans pivot'ally mounting said: movable guards and channel for swinging movements as aunit-between. a position forming a collector guiding: path aligned between a pair. of oppositely disposed runners andva position form'- ing a collector. guiding path: aligned with an.- other pair of said oppositely disposed runners;. means for releasably; securing. said. movable guards in: one. of. said. positions. and. means carried' by one of: said movable guards and engage-- ableiby a current collector intransit for eiiectin'g. movement" of. the movable. guards and channel'- f'rom one. said position: toi the other position,

3. A. trolley device for guiding; a current col.- lector" along a predeterminedxpath. comprising, a

panibod'y having. a pairof angularl'y related. rib

runners at each end thereof, the. runners: of. each said pair converging toward. one another in. the direction of the otherpai'r of runners'and. having-r their closest ends. spaced from" one another and fromthe corresponding ends of the; other said'pairof. runners; a pair'of spaced andparallel guards disposed between said pairs of runners, each of: said guards having anedgeportion form'- ing'a channelor slot therebetween' and each'edg'e adapted to be engaged" by and to guide: the ex.- terior'side faces of a collector, andme'an'smountiing said guards. for movement from a. position 1 wherein the slot provides a collector path? from one. off one pair'of. runners to enact the otherpai'r of runners to a" position wherein the channel 1 o'r. slot. forms a collector'p'ath' between the other. runner of; one pair and the other runner of the: other pair.

A trolley device for guiding a current-collector along a. predeterminedpath comprising, a.

pan body having a pair. of. an'gularly'related rib runners ateach' end? thereof and providing.int'er-'- secting' collector paths, the runners of? each: said. pair converging toward one another. inthe'direction of the other pair of runners andhavin their closest endsspaced from. one another and from. the corresponding ends of the. other. said pair of runners, a pair of spaced: and. parallel guards disposed. between said pairs. of runners, eachotsaidgua-rds having anwedge portion form?- ing;a channel or slot therelietween and each edge adapted. to be. engaged: by" and to guide one of the'exterior side faces of a collector; and: means mounting saidtguardsr for movement fromaiposiition wherein the slot provides a collector path from one of one pair-of runners to one. of theo'ther pair of runners to a position wherein the slot provides a collector path between the other.

runner of one-pair and the other'runner of the other pair, each of said guards having-"a collectorengageable portion at one end arranged to be interposed in the path of a collector travelling along one of said intersecting paths when the guards and slot are in a position providing an open path along the other of the intersecting paths, the in erengagement of said collector engageable portion and a collector being eiiective to move said'guards to open the path along which the-collector is travelling and to interp'ose a coll'ector engageable portion.- inz the formerly open. path:.

5.. A trolley device for guiding a current col-- l'ector alonga-predetermined path comprising. a pan body having a pair'of an'gularly' related rib runners at eachend thereof and providing intersecting collector. paths, the runners of each said: pair; converging toward one another. in the direction' ofithe: other pair'of runners and having: their closest ends. spaced from one another and from the corresponding ends of the other said pair of runners,. saidbody having rigid guard flangesspaced' from, substantially parallel with and substantially" coextensive with portions" of said. runners and on each side thereof, a pair of movable spaced guards disposed between said pairs of runners, each of: said: guards having an. edge. portion forming a slot therebetween adapted to: receive andzto: be: engaged by and: to guide one of the. exterior'sides of. a collector, and. means mounting said. guards for-movement from a" position; wherein the. slot provides. a: collector path from one of one: pair of runners to one of' theiother'pair'of runners to a position wherein the slot providesa' collector path between. the other runnerofone. pair and the. other runner of. the other pair, each of said movable guards having a. collectorengageable portionat one end arranged to be interposed? in the path of acollect'or' travelling along one of said intersecting paths when the movable" guards and slot are in a position" providing an open: path along the other of the; intersecting paths. the interengagement of said collector engage'able portion and a; collector'being effective to move said movable guards to open the path along which the collector is. travelling and; to interpose a collector engage'able portion in the formerly open path, and meanseiiecti've to' substantially align: saidmovable guard-edge portions with corresponding.

edge portions of the fixed guards along either path:

6-; A trolley device for guiding a current collector along. predetermined path. comprising; an elongated pan body having a plurality of guiding: means to guide the current collector by means of its groove and extending outwardly. in diverging directions from: an intermediate portion toward opposite ends thereof and forming a plurality of guiding paths. said fixed guiding means being in spaced relation to one anotherat. their inner converging ends; fixed flange guards'carried by saidrbody and extending along andin spaced relation to each side of each'fixedguiding means thereby forming channels for guiding. engagement with the exterior opposite side facesuof the: collector, means associated withsaid body at said intermediate portion of the latter and having a slot for guiding engagement with-theexterior-opposite side faces of the cur-' rent collector-member whereby'to' guide the collector member in a predetermined path, and

of a current. collector. device in the passage of the. device from one runner to anothenand-each having a. pair. of second. edgeportions one of which. terminates. and intersects one endand the other the other end of the first said edge portion and makes with the first said edge portion an angle of less than a straight angle and more than a right angle measured on the body side of' the first said edge portion, said bodies being secured together with the first said edge portions disposed in spaced and substantially parallel array and facing toward one another and with the second said edge portions at adjacent ends facing toward but diverging from one another outwardly from the first said edge portions, and means intermediate the ends of the bodies to piv otally mount the bodies whereby the guiding channel may be brought into proper alignment with the runners when any said second edge is engaged by the current collector.

8. As an article of manufacture, a trolley switch element comprising, a pair of complementary bodies each having an edge portion adapted to engage and guide an outside surface of a current collector device in the passage of the device across a portion of the device, and each body having a pair of second edge portions one of which terminates and intersects one end and the other the other end of the first said edge portion and makes with the first said edge portion an angle of less than a straight angle and more than a right angle measured on the body side of the first said edge portion, means securing said bodies together with the first said edge portions disposed in spaced and substantially parallel array and facing toward one another forming av straight guiding channel or slot of fixed width and with the second said edge portions at adjacent ends facing toward but diverging from one another outwardly from the first said edge portions, means intermediate the ends of the bodies pivotally securing said bodies to trolley devices at intersections of trolley wires for alternate pivotal movements between a plurality of switching positions whereby the said bodies and groove will be positioned relative to one or the other of the said switching positions when the said second edge portions are engaged by the current collector and depending upon which of the said second edge portions is engaged by the current collector, and means for limiting the pivotal movements of said bodies.

9. As an article of manufacture, a trolley switch comprising, a pair of complementary bodies forming a guiding channel and each body having an edge portion adapted to engage and guide an outside surface of a grooved current collector device in the passage of the device from one runner to another, and each having a pair of second edge portions one of which terminates and intersects one end and the other the other end of the first said edge portion and makes with the first said edge portion an angle of less than a straight angle and more than a right angle measured on the body side of the first said edge" portion, means securing said bodies together with the first said edge portions disposed in spaced and substantially parallel array and facing toward one another to provide a channel or slot collector path therebetween, the second edge portions at adjacent ends of the bodies face toward but diverge from one another outwardly from the first said edge portions and are engageable by the exterior side faces of a moving current collector, a trolley pan including a plurality of fixed collector guides arranged to cooperate with the groove of the collector to guide the same, and means securing said bodies to said pan for automatic pivotal movements when engaged by the collector between a switching position providing a collector path from one fixed guide to a diagonally opposite fixed guide to a position providing a path joining the other diagonally opposite fixed guides.

10. As an article of manufacture, a trolley switch element comprising, a relatively rigid member having a pair of spaced bodies of substantially greater length than breadth or thickness, said bodies having longitudinal edges of unequal length, the shorter longitudinal edges forming a guiding channel and the edges thereof adapted to engage and guide the opposite exterior side faces of a current collector, each shorter longitudinal edge terminating in and merging with a diagonally extending end edge joining and connecting both longitudinal edges,

each said end edge junction with said shorterlongitudinal edge including an angle greater than a right angle and less than a straight angle, means associated with the bar to pivotally attach it to the trolley switch element each said end edge being adapted to be engaged by a current collector travelling at an acute angle thereto in a direction toward guiding relation with 'said shorter longitudinal edge whereby said bar may be pivoted to its proper guiding position.

11. As an article of manufacture, a trolley switch element comprising, a pivotally mounted relatively rigid bar having a pair of spaced bodies each of substantially greater length than breadth or thickness, said bodies each having longitudinal edges of unequal length, the shorter one of the longitudinal edges forming a guiding channel and the edges thereof adapted to engage and. guide the exterior side of a current collector flange, each shorter longitudinal edge at each end thereof terminating in and merging with a diagonally extending end edge joining and connecting both longitudinal edges, each of said end edge junctions with said shorter longitudinal edge including an angle greater than a right angle and less than a straight angle, each of said end edges being adapted to be engaged by a current collector travelling at an acute angle thereto in a direction toward guiding relation with said shorter longitudinal edge whereby said bar may be automatically moved to its proper guiding position.

12. As an article of manufacture, a trolley switch element comprising, a pair of relatively rigid bodies forming a longitudinal guiding channel therebetween and each body being of substantially greater length than breadth or thickness, each'said body having spaced longitudinal edges of unequal length, the shorter one of the longitudinal edges forming a guiding channel and the edges thereof adapted to engage and guide the opposed exterior side faces of a current collector, each shorter lonogitudinal edge terminating in and merging with a diagonally extending end edge joining and connecting both longitudinal edges, said end edge junction with said shorter longitudinal edge including an angle greater than a right angle and less than a straight angle, means associated with the bodies to pivotally attach thereto the trolley switch each said end edge being adapted to be engaged by a current collector travelling at an acute angle thereto in a direction toward guiding relation with said shorter longitudinal edge, whereby the pressure of the current collector flange against either of said end edges will move said bodies into proper guiding alignment for the current collector and the said shorter longitudinal edges will guide the collector into the channel between the shorter longitudinal edges, said pair of bodies being secured together in substantially parallel relationship with the shorter longitudinal edge of each facing toward and spaced from the corresponding edge of the other and with the said diagonal end edges facing toward but diverging from one another at the same end of the assembly.

13. A crossing for overhead trolley systems comprising an elongated body having a collector flange engaging surface and a plurality of paths of crossing, a pair of fixed runners for each path projecting from and extending along the said surface in the directions of the paths of approach and departure of the current collector for guiding the collector by its groove along said paths, the runners defining an area of intersection and the inner ends of the runners spaced apart, the projection of the runners from the body surface gradually decreasing as the runner approaches the area of intersection from a projection substantially equal to that of the depth of the groove of the current collector to a projection less than that of the depth of the groove of the current collector whereby the collector will cross the body with its flanges in engagement with the body surface, flanges projecting from the body surface and extending toward the area of intersection of all of said paths and along and parallel to at least a part of the length of each runner at each side thereof and having faces adapted to engage with the opposite outer side faces of the current collector to guide the current collector, a switching guard pivotally mounted on the body in said area of intersection and having a longitudinal slot or channel with open ends through which the collector may pass with its flanges in engagement with the body surface, the switching guard being movable into alignment with each of the paths of the crossing and means associated with the switching guard and engageable by the collector to operate the switching guard to alignits slot with the desired path of travel of the collector, the inner faces of the flanges and the inner faces of the slot forming a substantially aligned continuous guiding path of substantially uniform width for the collector throughout the length of the body.

14. A trolley device for guiding a current collector along a predetermined path comprising, a body member having a plurality of runners at the ends thereof, a pair of guards spaced apart sufliciently to form a slot through which the collector may pass and the side Walls of the guards being engageable by the exterior sides of the collector member, the said guards disposed between pairs of said runners forming therewith a path for the passage of the collector, means pivotally mounting said guards for movement of the guards as a unit from a position providing a collector guiding path between one pair of runners 'to a position providing a collector path aligned with another pair of runners, and means associated with the last said means and with the guards whereby the width of the slot may be adjusted to the width of the current collector.

15. A trolley device for guiding a current collector along a predetermined path comprising, a body member having a plurality of runners at the ends thereof, said runners terminating short of one another and having guiding edges for a current collector, a fixed side guard extending along each side of each runner over at least a part of the length of the latter and in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto and having collector guiding edges, a pair of movable guard members having collector guiding edges disposed in spaced and substantially parallel opposed relation to one another between pairs of runners, means pivotally mounting said movable guards for swinging movements between a position forming a collector guiding path aligned between one pair of runners and a position forming a collector guiding path aligned with. another pair of runners and means associated with the last said means and with the guard members whereby the collector guiding edges thereof may be adjusted into alignment with the current guiding edges of the runners and of the fixed side flanges to form continuous guideways for the collector.

WARREN J. LEWIS. 

